Touch sensing apparatus for metal panel including display window with through-holes and touch part home appliance having metal panel and touch sensing apparatus, and method for controlling the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a metal touch sensing apparatus in which recognition performance thereof is improved, a plurality of touch parts are successively manipulated to enter into a specific mode, thereby preventing a refrigerator from being malfunctioned, and touch sensitivity of the refrigerator to be touched for the manipulation is visually adjusted, and a home appliance including the touch apparatus and a method for controlling the same.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application PCT/KR2015/011956, filed on Nov. 6,2015, which claims the benefit of Korean Application No.10-2014-0154781, filed on Nov. 7, 2014, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a metal touch sensing apparatus, and ahome appliance having the metal touch sensor apparatus and a method forcontrolling the same.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a touch sensor assembly that is used for home appliancesrecognizes a pushing operation of a user to generate a signal foroperating a home appliance. The touch sensor assembly includes acapacitive sensor and a resistance cell type sensor. The sensors maydetect touch of the user to convert the user's touch into a signal foroperating the home appliance.

In the recent home appliances, exterior members of the home appliancesmay be formed of steel or glass or coated with a material similar to thesteel or glass to improve outer appearances of the home appliances. Atouch sensor assembly for recognizing touch of the exterior members whenthe exterior members are touched is being also developed.

Refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperaturein a storage space that is covered by a door. The refrigerator cools theinside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat-exchangingwith a refrigerant that circulates a cooling cycle to store the foods inan optimum state.

The inside of the refrigerator may be classified into a refrigeratingcompartment and a freezing compartment. Accommodation members such asshelves, drawers, and baskets may be disposed within the refrigeratingcompartment and the freezing compartment. Also, each of therefrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment may be closed bya door. The refrigerator is classified into various types according topositions of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartmentand configurations of the doors.

Recently, as the tendency of high-quality and multifunctionalrefrigerator increases, refrigerators having improved outer appearancesand various equipment for convenience are introduced. For example,refrigerators in which an external member that defines an outerappearance is formed of steel or glass or coated with a material similarto the steel or glass, and displays and manipulation devices havingvarious structures are adopted are being developed. A refrigeratoraccording to the related art is disclosed in Korean Patent RegistrationNo. 10-0634365.

It is necessary to enter into a special mode that is not a generalmanipulation mode so as to inspect a product in a production line afterthe refrigerator is completely assembled or check or manage therefrigerator when a service situation occurs during the use by a user.The special mode may have an influence on an operation of therefrigerator. To prevent manipulation due to user's carelessness fromoccurring, a manipulation part may not have a general manipulationshape, but have a shape in which a plurality of buttons have to bepushed at the same time. Alternatively, a button through which separatereset or special mode entry is enabled may be provided at a positionexcept for the position at which the manipulation part is disposed.

The above references are incorporated by reference herein whereappropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternativedetails, features and/or technical background.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Embodiments provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capable ofsensitively sensing user's touch manipulation on a panel formed of ametal material.

Embodiments also provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which iscapable of generating a sensible voltage, even though touch manipulationis performed at small force, by increasing a base voltage to improvesensitivity of a touch sensor.

Embodiments also provide a metal touch sensing apparatus in which atouch sensor has a base voltage of about 0V or more before user's touchmanipulation to sense the touch manipulation in spite of a smallpressure change during the touch manipulation.

Embodiments also provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which iscapable of being attached to a panel defining an outer appearance of ahome appliance, into which a foaming solution is injected.

Embodiment also provide a metal touch sensing apparatus which is capableof accurately sensing touch manipulation on a metal panel having athickness that is enough to endure a foam pressure.

Embodiments also provide a home appliance in which a plurality of touchparts are successively manipulated to enter into a specific mode,thereby preventing the home appliance from being malfunctioned and amethod for controlling the same.

Embodiments also provide a home appliance to be manipulated throughtouch, of which touch sensitivity is visually adjusted and a method forcontrolling the same.

Solution to Problem

In one embodiment, a metal touch sensing apparatus includes: a touchsensor directly contacting a rear surface of a panel formed of a metalmaterial; and an elastic member for generating force which pushes thetouch sensor toward the panel.

The touch sensor may include a piezoelectric device or a resistive celltype device.

In another embodiment, a metal touch sensing apparatus includes: a touchpart for performing user's pushing manipulation on a panel formed of ametal material, which defines an outer appearance of a home appliance;and an elastic member disposed so that a front surface of the touchsensor contacts a rear surface of the touch part, the elastic memberbeing disposed at a rear side of the touch sensor to generate forcewhich pushes the touch sensor toward the touch part.

An adhesive may be applied to the rear surface of the panel except forthe touch part.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a panel formedof a metal material, the panel defining a front surface of arefrigerator door into which a foaming solution is injected; a touchpart disposed on the panel to perform user's touch or pushingmanipulation thereon; and a touch sensor assembly disposed between thetouch part and the foaming solution, wherein the touch sensor assemblyincludes: a touch sensor disposed to allow a device to contact a rearsurface of the touch part; and an elastic member disposed at a rear sideof the touch sensor to generate force which pushes the touch sensortoward the touch part.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator door includes: aninsulation material formed by injecting a foaming solution into therefrigerator door; a panel defining an outer appearance of the door andformed of a metal material with a thickness of about 0.4 mm to about 1.0mm to prevent the door from being deformed by a foaming pressure and onwhich a touch part for performing user's touch or pushing manipulationthereon; a touch apparatus disposed between the touch part and theinsulation material to accurately detect the pushing or touchmanipulation on the touch part.

The touch apparatus may be disposed to allow the device of the touchsensor to directly contact a rear surface of a manipulation part of thepanel, and an elastic member generating force which pushes the touchsensor toward the touch part is disposed at a rear side of the touchsensor.

The touch sensor may detect the touch on the touch part by using apiezoelectric device or a resistive cell type device.

The elastic member may be mounted on a sensor PCB on which the touchsensor is mounted.

In further another embodiment, a metal touch sensing apparatus includes:a front panel defining an outer appearance of a front surface thereofand on which a touch part is disposed, the front panel being formed of ametal material; a sensor PCB mounted on a position corresponding to thetouch part on a rear surface of the front panel and on which a touchsensor for detecting touch of the front panel is mounted; an elasticmember contacting a rear surface of the sensor PCB to press and supportthe sensor PCB in a direction of the touch part, the elastic membergenerating a base voltage in the touch sensor in a no-touch state; and asensor control part detecting a voltage increasing from the base voltagewhen a touch operation occurs to recognize that the touch operationoccurs when the increasing voltage is greater than a preset value.

In further another embodiment, a home appliance includes: a front panelincluding a window and a touch part, the front panel defining an outerappearance of the home appliance; a display mounted on a rear surface ofthe window of the front panel; a plurality of touch sensors mounted on arear surface of the touch part of the front panel; a sensor control partcomparing signals transmitted from the plurality of touch sensors with apreset value; a storage part storing set values of the plurality oftouch sensors; and a host control part displaying the set values changedby user's manipulation on the display to provide the changed set valuesto the storage part.

In further another embodiment, a method for setting touch sensitivity ofa home appliance includes: touching a plurality of different pointswithin a preset time on a manipulation part formed on a front panelforming an outer appearance of the home appliance to allow a pluralityof touch sensors mounted on a rear surface of a touch part to beconverted into a touch sensitivity setting mode; touching a touch pointdisposed at a front side of the touch sensor, in which touch sensitivityresetting is desired, of the plurality of touch sensors; controlling adisplay disposed at a rear side of the front panel to display the settouch sensitivity of the touch sensor, in which the touch sensitivityresetting is desired, through a display window of the front panel; andtouching a touch point disposed at a front side of the touch sensor, inwhich the touch sensitivity resetting is desired, to change the touchsensitivity.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a front panelformed of a metal material to define an outer appearance of arefrigerator door and on which a touch part for user's touchmanipulation is disposed; an insulation material filled into therefrigerator door, the insulation material being formed by a foamingsolution; a touch sensor assembly disposed between the front panel ofthe refrigerator and the insulation material to detect the touchmanipulation; and a sensor control part detecting a voltage increasingfrom a base voltage when a touch operation occurs to recognize that thetouch operation occurs when the increasing voltage is greater than apreset value, wherein the touch sensor assembly includes: a touch sensorcontacting the touch part to detect a displacement of the front panelwhen the touch manipulation occurs; a sensor PCB on which the touchsensor is mounted; and an elastic member disposed on the sensor PCB topress and support the sensor PCB so that the touch sensor is closelyattached to the touch part, the elastic member generating a base voltagein the touch sensor in a no-touch state.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a door of whichat least a portion of an outer appearance is defined by a front panelhaving a plate shape, the door including a window through which lightfor displaying information is transmitted onto the front panel; adisplay assembly mounted inside the door, which corresponds to thewindow; a touch sensor assembly closely attached to a rear surface ofthe front panel, the touch sensor assembly including a plurality ofsensors detecting touch manipulation on the front panel; a sensorcontrol part connected to the sensor assembly to process a manipulationdetecting signal of each of the sensors, wherein the sensor control partdetermines the user's manipulation as erroneous manipulation when themanipulation detecting signals are generated at the same time from theplurality of sensors to ignore the manipulation detecting signals of thesensors.

In further another embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigeratorincluding a sensor for detecting manipulations of a plurality of touchparts formed on a front panel of a refrigerator door and in which anoperation input of the refrigerator is enabled by the sensor in a normalmode includes: entering into a specific mode for confirming an operationstate of the refrigerator and changing a set of the refrigerator by asecond manipulation in which one of the plurality of touch parts ismanipulated within a preset time after a first manipulation in which oneof the plurality of touch parts is manipulated.

In further another embodiment, a refrigerator may include: a door ofwhich at least a portion of an outer appearance is defined by a frontpanel having a plate shape and in which a window through which light fordisplaying information is transmitted is disposed in the front panel; adisplay assembly mounted inside the door to correspond to the window; atouch sensor assembly closely attached to a rear surface of the frontpanel, the touch sensor assembly including a plurality of sensors fordetecting user's manipulation on the front panel; and a sensor controlpart connected to the touch sensor assembly to process manipulationdetection signals of the sensors, wherein the sensor control partdetermines the user's manipulation as erroneous manipulation when themanipulation detection signals of the plurality of sensors occur at thesame time to ignore the manipulation detection signals of the sensors.

In further another embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigeratorincluding a sensor for detecting manipulations of a plurality of touchparts formed on a front panel of a refrigerator door and in which anoperation input of the refrigerator is enabled by the sensor in a normalmode includes: entering into a specific mode for confirming an operationstate of the refrigerator and changing a set of the refrigerator by asecond manipulation in which one of the plurality of touch parts ismanipulated within a preset time after a first manipulation in which oneof the plurality of touch parts is manipulated.

In further another embodiment, a method for controlling a refrigeratorincludes: successively manipulating a plurality of touch parts formed ona front panel of a refrigerator door to enter into a specific mode;selecting one of the plurality of touch parts to select a sensor inwhich touch sensitivity setting is desired; continuously manipulatingthe selected touch part to increase or decrease a sensitivity settingvalue of the selected sensor; and storing the sensitivity setting valueof the sensor, in which the sensitivity setting value is increased ordecreased, into a storage part and releasing the specific mode to enterinto a normal mode.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the embodiments, even through the user pushes the frontpanel with the small force, since the touch sensor is closely attachedto the front panel to directly contact the front panel, the deformationof the front panel may be transmitted to the touch sensor as it is toimprove the touch recognition performance.

Also, since the touch sensor is being pressed in the direction thereofby the elastic member, the adhesion force between the front panel andthe touch sensor may be improved. In addition, the base voltagegenerated in the touch sensor may increase by the compressive elasticforce of the elastic member to allow the touch manipulation to beenabled with the small force, thereby improve the sensitivity of thetouch sensor.

Also, due to the improvement of the touch recognition performance, thereliable touch recognition may be enabled even though the front paneldefining the outer appearance of the home appliance has the thickthickness.

Also, the home appliance may enter into the special mode for the serviceor inspection when the user successively manipulates the specific touchparts in a fixed order to prevent the malfunction due to the user'scarelessness from occurring.

Also, according to the embodiment, the plurality of touch parts may benot recognized at the same time to prevent the plurality of touch partsfrom being selected by the touch mistake due to the characteristics ofthe touch sensor or to prevent the refrigerator from being malfunctionedor entering into an undesired special mode due to the impact when thedoor is opened.

Also, the sensitivity occurring when the user touches thee touch partmay be intuitionally set by pushing the corresponding touch part. Thechange in sensitivity may be displayed through the display to allow theuser to more accurately and easily adjust the touch sensitivity.

Also, the touch part may be adjusted to touch sensitivity that isdesired by the user to prevent the recognition error in touchmanipulation or the damage due to the excessive push from occurring.Since the user sets the optimum sensitivity that is desired by theindividual user, the convenience in use of the user may be improved.

Also, each of the plurality of touch parts is set to the desiredsensitivity, and diverse sets may be enabled according to the user'spreference or user pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator door according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a display window and manipulation part ofthe refrigerator door.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a mounted structureof a display assembly of the refrigerator door.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator door with afront panel separated.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupled structureof a touch sensor assembly, a display cover, a display assembly, adisplay frame, and a frame according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7′ of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8′ of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating connection between a sensor PCBand a display PCB.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a coupled structure betweenthe display cover and the display frame.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupled structurebetween the display cover and the touch sensor assembly.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the display cover on which thetouch sensor assembly is mounted.

FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 13-13′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an exploded front perspective view of a touch sensor assemblyaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a rear exploded perspective view of the touch sensorassembly.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the touch sensor.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are plan and rear views of the sensor PCB that is amain component of the touch sensor assembly.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a spacer that is a main component of the touchsensor assembly.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a conductive foil that is a main component ofthe touch sensor assembly.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the touch booster that is a maincomponent of the touch sensor assembly.

FIG. 22 is a cutaway perspective view taken along line 22-22′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion B of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which thetouch sensor assembly is mounted.

FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main componentof a touch sensor assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main componentof a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main componentof a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process of performing asensitivity setting mode of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a view illustrating a manipulation method when entering intothe sensitivity setting mode.

FIG. 30 is a view illustrating one state when the sensitivity is set inthe sensitivity setting mode.

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating another state when the sensitivity is setin the sensitivity setting mode.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a process of entering into an inspectionmode in the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a process of entering into a test mode inthe refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a process of entering into a storedisplay mode in the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensingstate in a home appliance including a touch sensor according to arelated art.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensingstate in the touch sensor according to an embodiment.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Arefrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a cabinet defining astorage space and a refrigerator door 10 mounted on the cabinet to openor close the storage space. An outer appearance of the refrigerator 1may be defined by the cabinet and the refrigerator door 10.

The storage space may be partitioned into both left/right sides orvertically partitioned. A plurality of refrigerator doors 10 foropening/closing the spaces may be disposed on the opened spaces of thestorage space. Each of the refrigerator doors 10 may open and close thestorage space in a sliding or rotating manner. When the refrigeratordoor 10 is closed, the refrigerator door 10 may define a front outerappearance of the refrigerator 1.

A display window or a display area 11 and a manipulation part or userinterface may be disposed on one refrigerator door 10 of the pluralityof refrigerator doors 10 at a height at which user's manipulation anddistinguishment are easy. The display window 11 may be configured toappear an operation state of the refrigerator 1 to the outside. A symbolor figure may be expressed while light is irradiated into therefrigerator door 10 to allow a user to identify the symbol or figure.The display window 11 may be commonly defined as a hole through whichlight is transmittable or a transparent portion.

The manipulation part may be a portion that is constituted by aplurality of touch parts for performing touching manipulation to operatethe refrigerator 1. The touch manipulation part or touch user interface12 may be disposed on a portion of a front surface of the refrigeratordoor 10. A portion at which the pushing manipulation is capable of beingdetected may be defined by surface processing such as printing oretching or various light transmission methods.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, the refrigerator door 10 includes afront panel 20 defining a front outer appearance thereof, deco members40 and 43 that are respectively disposed on upper and lower ends of thefront panel 20, and a door liner 30 defining a rear outer appearancethereof. An overall outer appearance of the refrigerator door may bedefined by the front panel 20, the deco members 40 and 43, and the doorliner 30.

The front panel 20 may define the front outer appearance of therefrigerator door 10 and be formed of a stainless steel material havinga plate shape. The front panel 20 may constitute at least a portion ofthe outer appearance of the refrigerator door 10. The front panel 20 maybe applied to an exterior member in other home appliances.

The front panel 20 may be formed of metal or a material having the sametexture as the metal. The front panel 20 may be formed of a glass orplastic material. The front panel 20 may define a portion of a sidesurface of the refrigerator door 10 as well as the front surface of therefrigerator door 10. Fingerprint prevention processing or hairlineprocessing may be further performed on a surface of the front panel 20.

The display window 11 may be defined by a plurality of first throughholes or light transmitting material or surface 21 provided in a portionof the front panel 20. The display window 11 may be constituted by anumerical display part or interface 11 a for display figures and a setof the plurality of first through holes 21 in which a symbol displayparts or interface 11 b for displaying symbols, charters, or picturesare punched at a predetermined distance.

As illustrated in the drawings, the numerical display part 11 a may bedisposed in the form of seven segments that is a set of the plurality offirst through holes 21. The numerical display part 11 a may be disposedon each of upper and lower portion to independently display temperaturesof the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.Alternatively, the numerical display part 11 a may display variousinformation that are capable of being displayed by using figures inaddition to the temperature information. The numerical display part 11 amay selectively display the various information through the manipulationof the manipulation part or the user interface.

The symbol display parts 11 b are disposed under the numerical displaypart 11 a. The symbol display parts 11 b may display an operation stateof the refrigerator 1 by using a symbol or picture. The set of the firstthrough holes 21 may be disposed in a shape corresponding to the symboldisplay parts 11 b to allow the user to intuitionally see the operationstate of the refrigerator 1.

For example, a symbol, which is disposed at the lowermost position, ofthe symbol display parts 11 b of FIG. 3 may be expressed in a lock shapeto indicate a locked state. A symbol that is disposed at an intermediateposition may be expressed in a filter shape to indicate a sanitizationor deodorization operation. Alternatively, the symbol display part 11 bmay have various shapes and be provided in various numbers.

The display window 11 may be defined to correspond to second and thirdthrough holes 220 and 321 which will be described later so that lightemitted from an LED 313 of a display assembly 300 is transmittedtherethrough. The first through hole 21 may be formed with a fine sizethrough laser processing or etching. The first through hole 21 may beformed with a size at which it is difficult to easily identify theoperation state of the refrigerator when light is not transmitted.

Although the numerical display part 11 a and the symbol display part 11b are not clearly illustrated in FIG. 3 so as to allow the numericaldisplay part 11 a and the symbol display part 11 b to be expressed asthe form that is constituted by the plurality of first through holes 21,if the LED 313 is turned off in a state where the first through holes 21are spaced a predetermined distance from each other, it may be difficultto distinguish the numerical display part 11 a and the symbol displaypart 11 b because each of the first through holes has a fine size.

In case of the numerical display part 11 a, only a portion onto whichlight is irradiated according to operations of the seven segments of thelight source may be transmitted through the first through holes 21 todisplay figures on the front panel 20. On the other hand, a portion ontowhich the light is not irradiated may not be well distinguished. In caseof the symbol display part 11 b, if the corresponding LED is turned onwhen the corresponding function is performed, light may be irradiated toallow the symbol display part 11 b to be distinguished. On the otherhand, if the LED is turned off, the symbol display part 11 b may not bewell distinguished.

As described above, the fine or minute holes 21 of the numerical displaypart 11 a and the symbol display part 11 b for the display window 11 maynot be visible when light is turned off. Thus, other components may notbe disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator door 10, and theentire front surface of the refrigerator door 10 may be expressed as ifa metal plate by using the front panel 20 to realize the simple andelegant outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator door10.

A sealing member 22 may be filled into the first through hole 21. Thesealing member 22 may prevent the first through hole 21 from beingblocked by foreign substances. The sealing member 22 may be formed of asilicon or epoxy material so that the first through hole 21 is blocked,but the light is transmitted. The inside of the first through hole 21may be filled with the sealing member 22 to prevent a processed surfaceof the first through hole 21 from being corroded.

The sealing member 22 may be filled into the first though hole 21through a separate process. The sealing member 22 may be filled into thefirst through hole 21 while a coating process is performed on thesurface of the front panel 20, or the sealing member 22 may be attachedin the form of a sheet to block the plurality of first through holes atthe same time. A fingerprint preventing coating and/or a diffusion sheetwithin the front panel 20 may function as the sealing member 22.

The manipulation part may be a portion that is displayed to allow theuser to perform the touch manipulation and be constituted by a pluralityof touch parts or input area 12. The touch part 12 may display an areathat is detected by the touch sensor assembly 500 when the user touchesthe area of the touch part. The touch parts 12 may not be physicalbuttons, but be areas that are displayed on the front surface of thefront panel 20. A sensor 750 (see, e.g., FIG. 17) contacting the rearsurface of the front panel 20 may be manipulated through themanipulation of the displayed area.

The touch parts 12 may be displayed on the front panel 20 throughetching, printing, or other surface processing. Thus, the touchmanipulation part 2 may be expressed in a shape that does not stand outwhen viewed from the outside so that the outer appearance of the frontpanel 20 is expressed by the whole texture of the front panel 20. Thetouch parts 12 may be displayed so that the user intuitionallyunderstand and manipulate the corresponding function of each of thetouch part 12 as the form of the character or symbol. Each of the touchparts 12 may display an area that is recognizable when the user's touchis performed. When the displayed portion of the touch part 12 is pushed,the area may be effectively recognized.

The door liner 30 may have a surface that is coupled to the front panel20 to face the inside of the storage space. The door liner 30 may beinjection-molded using plastic. The door liner 30 may have a structurein which a gasket is disposed or mounted along a circumferentialthereof. When the door liner 30 is coupled to the front panel 20, aspace may be defined between the door liner 30 and the front panel 20. Afoaming solution for forming an insulation material 24 may be filledinto the space.

A frame 100 may be attached to a rear surface of the front panel 20. Theframe 100 may provide a separate space in which the foaming solution isnot filled into the refrigerator door 10 to accommodate the coverdisplay 200, the display assembly 300, the touch sensor assembly 500,and a display frame 400.

The deco members or trims 40 and 43 may define outer appearances ofupper and lower portions of the refrigerator door 10. The deco members40 and 43 may cover the opened upper and lower end of the refrigeratordoor 10, which are defied by coupling the front panel to the door liner30, respectively.

An insertion hole 41 and an insertion hole cover 42 for opening/closingthe insertion hole 41 may be disposed in/on the upper deco member 40 ofthe deco members 40 and 43. The insertion hole 41 may pass through thedeco member 400 to communicate with the space that is defined by theframe 100. The display assembly 300 may be inserted into the displayframe 400, with which the display assembly 300 is assembled, through theinsertion hole 41. The insertion hole 41 may have a size in which thedisplay frame 40 is insertable. The insertion hole 41 may be verticallydefined with respect to the display cover 200.

Although not shown in detail, a hinge hole to which a rotation shaft ofthe refrigerator door 10 is hinge-coupled may be defined in one side ofthe deco member 40. The deco member 40 may have a structure in which awire guided inside the frame 100 is accessible through the hinge holeand then is connected to a power source part of the cabinet.

A door handle 44 may be disposed on the lower deco member 43 of therefrigerator door 10. The door handle 44 may be recessed in a pocketshape to manipulate the rotation of the refrigerator door 10. A lever 45for manipulating the opening/closing of the refrigerator door 10 may befurther disposed on the lower deco member 43 of the refrigerator door10. A latch assembly 31 may operate by the manipulation of the lever 45to selectively maintain the opening or closing of the refrigerator door10.

The display cover 200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel20. The display cover 200 may guide the mounting of the display assembly300 on which the LED 313 (see FIG. 14) is mounted. The display cover 200may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel 200 by adouble-sided tape or an adhesion member 25 (see FIG. 7) that is formedby applying primer thereon.

The touch sensor assembly 500 for detecting user's pushing manipulationon the front panel 20 may be mounted on one side of the display cover200. The display cover 200 may have a structure in which the coverdisplay 20 is attached to the front panel 20 in a state where thedisplay cover 200 is coupled to the touch sensor assembly 500.

The display cover 200 may be attached to a position at which the displaywindow 11 and the second through hole 220 defined in the cover display200 match each other. Also, the display cover 200 may be accommodatedinto the frame 100 in the state where the display cover 200 is attached.

The display assembly 300 is inserted into the space within the frame 100through the insertion hole 41 in the state where the display assembly300 is mounted on the display frame 400. When the display frame 400 iscompletely inserted, the display assembly 300 may be disposed inside thedisplay cover 200, and light emitted from the LED 313 may pass throughthe display cover 200 and the display window 11 and then be irradiatedto the outside.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9, the front and top surfaces of the frame100 may be opened. When the frame 100 is attached to the front panel 20,the top surface of the frame 100 may define an opened space 110. Acircumference of the frame 100 except for an upper end of the frame 100may be bent toward the front panel 20, and then, an end of the frame 100may be bent to the outside to form a frame adhesion part or flange 120.An adhesion member 25 including a double-sided tape or adhesive may bedisposed on the frame adhesion part 120. The frame 100 may be attachedto the rear surface of the front panel 20.

The frame 100 may have an upper end that contacts the deco member 40 inthe state where the frame 100 is attached to the front panel 20. Theopened top surface of the frame 100 may communicate with the insertionhole 41 and provide an independent space within the refrigerator door10. Even though the foaming solution for forming the insulation material24 is injected into the refrigerator door 10, the foaming solution maynot be introduced into the inner space of the frame 100, and thus theframe 100 may be protected.

A plurality of reinforcing ribs may be disposed on the rear surface ofthe frame 100 to cross each other in length and width directions. Eventhough the high-pressure foaming solution is filled to form theinsulation material 24, the frame may not be deformed due to thereinforcing ribs 13, and the inner space of the frame 100 may bemaintained. A plate support 140 on which a support plate 141 is seatedis disposed on each of both left/right ends of the upper portion of theframe 100.

The support plate 141 may be disposed in an upper space of the frame100, which corresponds to an upper side of the display cover 200, in thestate where the display cover 200 is mounted on the support plate 141 tosupport the front panel 20 from a rear side. Thus, rolling of theportion of the frame corresponding to the front panel 20 may beprevented, and also, the deformation of the front panel 20 by anexternal impact may be prevented.

The plate support 140 may be stepped to support both ends of the supportplate 141. The support plate 141 may be slidably inserted into the spacebetween the plate support 140 and the front panel 20 in the state wherethe frame 100 is attached to the front panel 20. After insertion, alower edge of the support plate 141 is above a restriction groove 160.In other words, the support plate is provided at the upper region of theframe 100. Alternatively, the support plate 141 may be attached to therear surface of the front panel 20 when both ends of the plate support140 are attached to the frame 100 in the fixed state.

A wire entrance hole 150 may be defined in an upper portion of a sidesurface of the frame 100. The wire entrance hole 150 may provide apassage through which the wire for connecting electronic components tothe power source of the cabinet is accessible. The wire entrance hole150 may be defined in an upper portion of the side surface of the frame100 that is adjacent to the hinge of the refrigerator door 10 and bedefined in a position that is adjacent to a hinge hole of therefrigerator door 10. The frame 100 may be finished to prevent thefoaming solution from being introduced into the frame 100 when thefoaming solution is injected into the refrigerator door 10.

A restriction groove 160 may be defined in each of both left/right sidesof the frame 100. A restriction part or protrusion 230 protrudinglaterally from each of both left/right ends of the cover display 200 maybe inserted into the restriction groove 160. The restriction groove 160may be receded to the outside and have a shape corresponding to that ofthe restriction part 230. Thus, the cover display 200 may be maintainedin an accurate position without moving.

A cover support 170 for supporting the display cover or plate 200 isdisposed on a portion of the frame 100 below the restriction groove tocorrespond to the display cover 200. The cover support 170 may protrudefrom each of both left/right surfaces of the frame 100 to push bothleft/right ends of the display cover 200 from a rear side, therebysupporting the cover display 200.

When the frame 100 is attached to the front panel 20, and the foamingsolution is injected into the refrigerator door 10 in the state wherethe display cover 200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel20, the cover support 170 may push the display cover 200 forward tomaintain the state in which the display cover 200 is attached to thefront panel 20. Even though the adhesion member 25 for attaching thecover display 200 to the front panel 20 is cured to lose its function,the cover support 170 may press the cover display 200 to maintain thestate in which the front panel 20 and the cover display 200 are closelyattached to each other.

The cover support 170 may be provided in plurality. The plurality ofcover supports 170 may be vertically disposed at a uniform distance touniformly push and support the entire display cover 200. A protrusion171 protruding forward may be further disposed on a front surface of thecover support 170 that is adjacent to the display cover 200. Theprotrusion 171 may have a rib or projection shape that is lengthilydisposed in a transverse direction to line or point contact the displaycover 200. Even though a contact surface between the display cover 200and the cover support 170 is uneven, the display cover 200 may not beinclined so that the cover support 170 applies a uniform pressure to thedisplay cover 200.

The display cover 200 may be formed of a plastic material having a plateshape. The display cover 200 may be accommodated into the frame 100 inthe state where the display cover 200 is attached to the front panel 20.The restriction part 230 protruding outward and inserted into therestriction groove 160 may be disposed on an upper portion of each ofboth left/right ends of the cover display 200.

An accommodation part or opening 210 on which the touch sensor assembly500 is mounted may be disposed on the cover display 200. A plurality ofsecond through holes 220 may be defined in a position corresponding tothe display window 11 in the cover display 200.

The display assembly 300 may include a display PCB 310 on which the LED313 is mounted and a reflector 320 disposed on a front surface of thedisplay PCB 310. A sensor control part or sensor controller 314 forprocessing a signal transmitted from the sensor 750, a storage part orstorage medium 315 for storing a sensitivity setting value of the sensor750, and a host control part or controller 316 for controlling anoperation of the display assembly 300 and providing the sensitivitysetting value stored in the storage part 315 may be disposed on thedisplay PCB 310.

Since the sensor control part 314 is disposed on the display assembly300 that is spaced apart from the touch sensor assembly 500, the sensorcontrol part 314 is connected to the sensor PCB 700 of the touch sensorassembly 500 through a cable connector 600. A signal of the sensor 750,which is detected by the touching manipulation at a position that isspaced apart from the touch sensor assembly 500 manipulated by the user,may be processed in the sensor control part 314.

The sensor control part 314 may receive a variation value in quantity ofelectricity that is generated in the sensor 750 (see also, e.g., FIG.25, which is described hereinafter) to process the variation value inquantity of electricity as data, thereby transmitting the data into thehost control part 316. The sensor control part 314 may also compare thevariation value in quantity of electricity, which is inputted when thesensor 750 is manipulated, to the sensitivity setting value stored inthe storage part 315 to determine whether the manipulation of the sensor750 is effective. The sensor control part 314 may transmit thedetermined result into the host control part 316, and the user mayrecognize the manipulation according to the pushed degree when the touchpart 12 of the front panel 20 is manipulated.

The host control part 316 may receive the result with respect to whetherthe sensor 750 is manipulated from the sensor control part 314 todisplay the result corresponding to the manipulation of the selectedsensor or sensor array 750 on the display window 11 or transmit a signalfor instructing an operation of the refrigerator 1 into a main controlpart that is separately provided or directly transmit the signal intoelectronic components for driving the refrigerator 1. The host controlpart 316 may be connected to the storage part 315, in which thesensitivity setting value of the sensor 750 is stored, to transmit andreceive data with respect to the sensitivity setting value.

The storage part 315 may store the sensitivity setting value that iscompared to the variation value in quantity of electricity that isgenerated when the sensor 750 is manipulated. An EEPROM or anon-volatile memory may be used as the storage part 315. The sensitivitysetting value of the sensor 750 may be continuously stored in thestorage part 315. Even though the refrigerator 1 is turned off and thenturned on, the sensitivity setting value of the sensor 750 may be storedand maintained.

When the touch part or interface 12 is pushed, the sensor control part314 may determine whether the pushing manipulation or touch input of thetouch part 12 is effective to transmit the determined result to the hostcontrol part 316. When a special mode such as the sensitivity setting isactivated, the sensitivity setting value stored in the storage part 315may be adjusted to allow the user to recognize the manipulation of thetouch part 12 at the desired sensitivity.

A flow of the signal according to the manipulation of the touch part 12will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. When the userpushes one touch part 12 of the touch parts under a general manipulationsituation, a pressure generated when the front panel 20 is deformed maybe detected by the sensor 750. The sensor 750 may generate a quantity ofelectricity which varies based on the pressure of the touch input. Thevariation value in quantity of electricity may be transmitted into thesensor control part 314.

The inputted variation value in quantity of electricity and thesensitivity setting value stored in the storage part 315 may be comparedto each other. If the inputted variation value in quantity ofelectricity satisfies the stored sensitivity setting value, themanipulation of the sensor 750 is successively recognized by the hostcontrol part 316. The host control part 316 may instruct an operation ofthe refrigerator by the touch part 12 selected according to the datatransmitted from the sensor control part 314 to display the operation ofthe refrigerator on the display window 11.

In a state where the user successively pushes a specific touch part ofthe plurality of touch parts 12 to enter into the sensitivity settingmode, an input signal may be transmitted into the sensor control part314, and data processed in the sensor control part 314 may betransmitted into the host control part 316. A new sensitivity settingvalue may be inputted into the storage part 315 according to theinputted data by the host control part 316.

The above-described manipulation may be continuously performed whenevera specific touch part 12 to be manipulated is pushed, and data may betransmitted into the host control part 316 via the sensor control part314. Whenever the data is transmitted, the host control part 316transmits a new sensitivity setting value into the storage part 315. Dueto the above-described repeated processes, the user may adjust asensitivity setting value for recognizing the manipulation of the touchpart 12.

The sensor control part 314, the host control part 316, and the storagepart 315 may be provided as one module on the display assembly 300. Allof the sensor control part 314, the host control part 316, and thestorage part 315 may be provided on one display PCB 310. If necessary,the sensor control part 314, the host control part 316, and the storagepart 315 may be integrated with the display assembly 300 and provided ona plurality of PCBs and then connected to each other.

The sensor PCB 700 on which the sensor 750 is mounted may be separatelyprovided with respect to the display PCB 310, and the sensor PCB 700 andthe display PCB 310 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.The sensor PCB 700 and the display PCB 310 may be connected to eachother by the cable connector 600.

The cable connector 600 includes a first cable connector 610 connectedto the sensor PCB 700 of the touch sensor assembly 500 and a secondcable connector 620 connected to the display PCB 310. The first andsecond cable connectors 610 and 620 may be connected to each other, whenthe display assembly 300 is mounted on the refrigerator door 10.

The cable connector 600 may have a total length greater than a distancefrom the touch sensor assembly 500 to the insertion hole 41. In thestate where the touch sensor assembly 500 is mounted on the displaycover 200, the cable connector 600 and the touch sensor assembly 500 maybe connected to each other at an outside of the insertion hole 41, andthen the display assembly 300 is inserted in the display cover 200.

A display terminal 311 connected to the second cable connector 620 isdisposed on a left side of an upper end of the display PCB 310 (whenviewed in FIG. 5). This location minimizes an effect due to the staticelectricity which may be generated when the display terminal 311 isdisposed at a position close to the touch sensor assembly 500.

The reflector 320 for guiding light so that the light emitted from theLED 313 travels to the first through hole 21 is disposed on the frontsurface of the display PCB 310. The reflector 320 may guide the lightemitted from the LED 313 and also provides a space between the displayPCB 310 and the display terminal 311 and the front panel 20 by athickness of the reflector 320 to protect the display PCB 310 againstthe static electricity. Since the front panel 20 may be formed of astainless steel material, and the display assembly 300 is disposedadjacent to the display window 11, the display PCB 310 may be vulnerableto the generated static electricity due to the above-describedstructure. However, since the reflector 320 spaces the display PCB 310from the front panel 20, the display PCB 310 may be protected againstthe static electricity.

A third through hole 321 communicating with the second through hole 220and the first through hole 21 may be defined in reflector 320 tocorrespond to the LED 313. When the display assembly 300 and the displayframe 400 are mounted on the cover display 200, the first, second, andthird through holes 21, 220, and 321 may be closely mounted or alignedto each other to communicate with each other. Thus, the light emittedfrom the LED 313 may be irradiated to the outside through the displaywindow 11.

An acoustic output device or an actuator 340 may be disposed on the rearsurface of the display PCB 310. The acoustic output device 340 mayexpress an operation state of the refrigerator 1 by sound. For example,a speaker or buzzer may be used as the acoustic output device 340. Theacoustic output device 340 may be disposed at a position correspondingto a frame hole 412 of the display frame 400. Thus, sound outputted fromthe acoustic output device 340 may be transmitted to the user outsidethe refrigerator door 10 to notify the operation state of therefrigerator 1.

The display PCB 310 is seated on the display frame 400. The displayframe 400 may have a plate shape to allow the display PCB 310 to beseated thereon. An edge or flange 410 formed by bending along acircumference of the display frame 400 may be provided to form a spaceinto which the display PCB 310 is accommodated. A sliding insertion partor rail 415 that is bent in both left/right directions is disposed oneach of both left/right ends of the frame display 400. The slidinginsertion part 415 may be inserted into a rail guide 240 disposed on thecover display 200. The display frame 400 may be mounted on the coverdisplay 200 by the sliding insertion part 415.

Reinforcing ribs 411 disposed in length and width directions to form alattice shape may be further disposed on an entire front surface of thedisplay frame 400. The frame hole 412 may be defined in one sidecorresponding to the acoustic output device 340. A frame cutting part orframe cut-out 414 may be disposed on an upper end of the display frame400. The frame cutting part 414 may be cut to a size corresponding tothe display terminal 311 to prevent the display terminal 311 frominterfering with the display frame 400. A boss 413 to which a screw 312is coupled to fix the display PCB 310 is disposed on the display frame400. The boss 413 may be coupled to the screw 312 and also support thedisplay PCB 310 from a lower side.

A frame handle 420 extending upward is disposed on a central portion ofthe upper end of the frame display 400. The frame handle 420 may have apredetermined length so that the user holds and manipulate the framedisplay 400 when the frame display 400 is coupled to the display cover200.

The frame handle 420 includes a first vertical part or first verticalextension extending from the frame display 400, an inclined part orextension 422 inclinedly extending backward from an upper end of thefirst vertical part 421, and a second vertical part or extension 423extending upward from an upper end of the inclined part 422. The firstand second vertical parts 421 and 423 may extend in parallel to eachother and be connected to each other by the inclined part 422. A grip orgrip part 44 to be grasped by the user may extend from an upper end ofthe second vertical part 423 in a transverse direction.

The user may grasp the grip part 424 to insert a lower end of thedisplay frame 400 into the insertion hole 41 when the display frame 400is inserted. The more the display frame 400 is inserted downward, themore the display frame 400 is closely attached to the rear surface ofthe display frame 200 due to the structure of the frame handle 420.

When the insertion hole cover 42 is closed in the state where thedisplay frame 400 is completely inserted, the insertion hole cover 42may contact the grip part 424. Although not shown, a handle couplingpart or mold that is molded in a shape corresponding to that of the grippart 424 is disposed on a bottom surface of the insertion hole cover 42.When the insertion hole cover 42 is closed, an upper end of the framehandle 420 is coupled to the handle coupling part and thus maintained inthe fixed state.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the rail guide 240 is disposed on eachof both left/right ends of the display cover 200. The rail guide 240 maybe configured so that both ends of the display cover 200 are bent toallow the sliding insertion part or rail 415 to be inserted into therail guide 240.

The rail guide 240 may have a wide upper end so that the slidinginsertion part 415 is easily inserted. The rail guide 240 may have aninclined inner surface. The more the display frame is inserted, the morethe display assembly 300 mounted on the display frame 400 is closelyattached to the display cover 200.

When the display frame 400 is completely inserted, the sliding insertionpart 415 may be fixed to the inside of the rail guide 240, and thereflector 320 may be completely closely attached to the rear surface ofthe display cover 200. The third through hole 321 may be defined tomatch the second through hole 220.

The display cover 200 has a flat front surface so that the display cover200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20. Theaccommodation part 210 into which the touch sensor assembly 500 isaccommodated is defined at one side of the front surface of the displaycover 200. The accommodation part 210 may be opened in a shapecorresponding to that of the touch sensor assembly 500 so that the touchsensor assembly 500 is inserted. In the state where the touch sensorassembly 500 is mounted on the accommodation part 210, the front surfaceof the touch sensor assembly 500 may be disposed on the same plane asthat of the display cover 200.

The accommodation part 210 may also extend backward along an openedcircumference of the accommodation part 210. When the touch sensorassembly 500 is mounted, the sides 211 a of accommodation part 210 maycontact a circumferential surface of the touch sensor assembly 500 toallow the touch sensor assembly 500 to be maintained in the stablymounted state.

A housing support 211 b may be disposed on each of four corners withinthe accommodation part 210. The housing support 211 b may further extendfrom the accommodation part 210 to surround and/or support corners of asensor housing defining an outer appearance of the touch sensor assembly500. An end 211 c of the housing support 211 b may be bent inward tosurround and support the circumferential surface and rear surface of thesensor housing. Even though the user pushes the front panel 20 to applya pressure to the front panel 20, the touch sensor assembly 500 may notmove backward, but be maintained in the assembled state.

A housing coupling part or tab 511 that is hooked with the inside of theaccommodation part 210 is disposed on each of upper and lower ends ofthe sensor housing. The housing coupling part 511 may have a shapesimilar to a hook to allow the touch sensor assembly 500 to bemaintained in the state in which the touch sensor assembly 500 is fixedto the inside of the accommodation part 210. The touch sensor assembly500 is inserted into the accommodation part 210 from a front side, andthe housing coupling part 511 is hooked and restricted to one side ofthe accommodation part 210. Thus, the touch sensor assembly 500 may becoupled to the cover display 200.

The second through hole 220 may be further defined in the front surfaceof the display cover 200. The second through hole 220 may be defined ina position corresponding to the first through hole 21 when the coverdisplay 200 is attached to the rear surface of the front panel. Thesecond through hole 220 may be opened in a shape corresponding to theseven segments. Holes having various other shapes for expressing otherinformation may be defined. A blocking part or molding 221 is disposedaround the second through hole 220. The blocking part 221 may bedisposed outside the second through hole 220 to surround the secondthrough hole 220. The blocking part 221 may protrude forward.

The adhesion member 25 that is provided for the adhesion of the coverdisplay 200 may be attached to only an outer area of the blocking part221. A gap between the first through hole 21 and the second through hole220, which occurs by a thickness of the adhesion member 25 when thedisplay cover 200 is attached, may be minimized to prevent a light leakphenomenon through the gap from occurring. The blocking part 221 mayprotrude to a height at which the light leakage is prevented. Theblocking part 221 may protrude to a height that is less than or equal tothat of the adhesion member 25 before the adhesion member 25 is pressedin consideration of the pressing of the adhesion member 25 that isattached to the front surface of the cover display 200.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in the state where the cover display 200is attached to the rear surface of the front panel 20 by using theadhesion member 25, the first and second through holes 21 and 220 maycommunicate with each other. The first through hole 21 has asubstantially smaller size than that of the second through hole 220. Theplurality of first through holes 21 may cover one second through hole220.

When the display frame 400 is completely inserted so that the displayassembly 300 is disposed inside the display cover 200, the third andsecond through holes 321 and 220 may be aligned to each other. Thesecond and third through holes 220 and 321 may have the same size. Whenthe reflector 320 is attached to the rear surface of the display cover200, the second and third through holes 220 and 321 may completelyoverlap each other.

The third, second, and first through holes 321, 220, and 21 maycommunicate or align with each other. As a result, light emitted fromthe LED 313 may be irradiated to the outside of the refrigerator door 10via the third, second, and first through holes 321, 220, and 21. Adiffusion sheet may be attached to the rear surface of the front panel20 in which the first through hole 21 is provided. The diffusion sheet26 may diffuse light emitted from the LED 313 so that the lightirradiated through the display window 11 is uniformly irradiated ontothe display window 11. Alternatively, the diffusion sheet 26 may beattached to the front panel 20 corresponding to the display window 11 tocover the whole of the first through hole 21.

As illustrated in a front perspective of FIG. 15 and a rear perspectiveof FIG. 16, the touch sensor assembly 500 may include the sensor housingdefining an entire outer appearance thereof, the sensor PCB 700accommodated into the sensor housing, an elastic member 720 supportingthe sensor PCB 700, and a touch booster 530 coupled to an opened frontsurface of the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a housingcover 510 and a housing body 520. The housing body 520 is coupled to thehousing cover 510 to define an outer appearance of a rear portion of thetouch sensor assembly 500 and a space in which the sensor PCB 700 ismounted.

The housing cover 510 defines a front portion of the sensor housing. Ahousing coupling part or tab 511 for mounting the touch sensor assembly500 on the cover display 200 is disposed on each of upper and lower endsof the housing cover 510. The housing cover 510 may have an exposedfront surface in the state where the touch sensor assembly 500 ismounted in the accommodation part 210. The housing cover 510 may beattached to the rear surface of the front panel by using the adhesionmember 25.

An opening 512 is defined in the front surface of the housing cover 510,and the touch booster or a touch transfer plate 530 is mounted on theopening 512. The touch booster 530 may transfer displacement of thefront panel 20, which occurs when the user pushes the front panel 20, toa sensor 750 that will be described below. A detailed structure of thetouch booster 530 will be described below in detail.

The opening 512 may has a size corresponding to that of the touchbooster 530. When the touch booster 530 is mounted to the housing cover512, the opening 512 may be covered by the touch booster 530. Anextension rib 517 extending backward is disposed around the opening 512.The extension rib 517 may contact a circumference of the sensor PCB 700to allow the sensor PCB 700 to move without being inclined when thesensor PCB 700 moves in a front/rear direction.

A booster support or plate 513 protruding inward and extending backwardmay be further disposed inside the opening 512. The booster support 513may support a circumferential portion of the touch booster 530 from arear side in the state where the touch booster 530 is mounted. Eventhough a pressure is applied to the touch booster 530, self-movement ofthe touch booster 530 to a rear side of the preset position may beprevented.

The booster support 513 is disposed along the opening 512, and a hookgroove 514 is defined in the booster support 513. The hook groove 514may be defined in a position corresponding to the hook 531 of the touchbooster 530. The hook groove 514 may be formed by cutting a portion ofthe booster support 513. Alternatively, the hook groove 514 may beseparately defined in one side of the housing cover 510 that is adjacentto the opening 512 except for the booster support 513.

The hook 531 and the hook groove 514 may be disposed on/in bothleft/right positions that face each other. The hook 531 and the hookgroove 514 may be vertically disposed at a predetermined distance toprevent the touch booster 530 from being biased in one direction whenthe touch booster 530 is manipulated.

The hook groove 514 may extend in a front/rear direction. The hook 531may be movable in the front/rear direction in a state where the hook 531is disposed inside the hook groove 514. The touch booster 530 may bemaintained in the state in which the touch booster 530 is coupled to thehousing cover 510 and also move by a predetermined distance in thefront/rear direction. Furthermore, the front surface of the touchbooster 530 may further protrude than the housing cover 510 in the statewhere the touch booster 530 is assembled with the housing cover 510.Thus, when the touch sensor assembly 500 and the cover display 200 areattached to the front panel 20, the touch booster 530 may be alwaysmaintained in the state in which the touch booster 530 is closelyattached to the rear surface of the front panel 20.

A cover coupling part or recesses 516 are disposed on a circumferentialsurface of the housing cover 510. The cover coupling part 516 may be aportion that matches the body coupling part 521 disposed on the housingbody 520. A groove or hole with which the hook-shaped cover couplingpart or tab 561 is hooked may be defined in the body coupling part ortab 521. The cover coupling part 516 may be disposed on a position atwhich the elastic member 720 is capable of being pressed when the covercoupling part 516 and the body coupling part 521 are coupled to eachother.

When the housing cover 510 and the housing body 520 are coupled to eachother, the elastic member 720 may be pressed to push the sensor PCB 700and the touch booster 530 toward the front. The touch booster 530 may bemaintained in a protruding state in which the touch booster 530 isclosely attached to the front panel 20. Thus, when the user pushes thefront panel 20, the touch booster may effectively detect the pushing ofthe front panel 20.

A wire hole 515 is defined in top surface of the housing cover 510. Thewire hole 515 is opened so that the first cable connector 610 connectedto the sensor terminal 711 on the sensor PCB 700 is accessible. The wirehole 515 may be defined in at least one side, e.g., 515 and 512 of thehousing cover 510 and the housing body 520. A wire hole 522 may bedefined in a circumferential top surface of the housing body 520. Thewire hole 522 may be defined in the same position as the wire hole 515of the housing cover 510 so that the first cable connector 610 isaccessible.

A plurality of body coupling part or tabs 521 are disposed on acircumferential surface of the housing body 520, which is bent forward.The body coupling part 521 may be formed by cutting a portion of thecircumferential surface of the housing body 520. The body coupling part521 may be inserted into the cover coupling part 516 to maintain thestate in which the housing cover 510 is coupled to the housing body 520.

The cover coupling part 516 and the body coupling part 521 may bedisposed to be spaced a predetermined from each other and face eachother at the same position of both left/right sides. The housing cover510 and the housing body 520 may be coupled to each other with the sameforce at the same time to prevent the elastic member 720 from beinginclined when assembled.

A mounting guide 523 is disposed on a bottom surface of the housing body520. The mounting guide 523 guides mounting of a plurality of elasticmembers 720 so that the elastic member 720 attached to the sensor PCB700 is accommodated. The mounting guide 523 may have a shapecorresponding to that of the sensor PCB 700 to provide a spacecorresponding to a width of the elastic member 720. The elastic member720 may be disposed inside the mounting guide 523, and both left/rightsurfaces of the mounting guide 523 may support both left/right ends ofthe elastic member 720. The mounting guide 523 may stably support theelastic member 720 to prevent the elastic member 720 from being twistedor inclined in one direction when the elastic member 720 is pressed.

A terminal hole 524 is opened from the bottom surface of the housingbody 520 corresponding to the sensor terminal 711 disposed on the sensorPCB 700. The terminal hole 524 may have a shape corresponding to that ofthe sensor terminal 711. The sensor terminal 711 may be exposed throughthe terminal hole 524. Even though the sensor PCB 700 moves in thefront/rear direction, the sensor terminal 711 may not interfere with thebottom of the housing body 520. Since the first cable connector 610 iscoupled to a side surface of the sensor terminal 711, the coupled statebetween the first cable connector 610 and the sensor terminal 711 may beseen through the terminal hole 524.

The sensor PCB 700 is supported by the elastic member 720 inside thesensor housing in a state where a spacer 730, a sensor 750, and aconductive foil 740 (illustrated in FIG. 17) are disposed. Also, thetouch booster 530 is mounted in the opening 512 so as to be movable inthe front/rear direction. The displacement occurring when the frontpanel 20 and the conductive foil 740 contact each other and are pushedmay be immediately transmitted into the sensor 750.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20, the sensor PCB 700 is formed of aplastic material, and a copper film 712 constituting a circuit isprinted on a surface of the sensor PCB 700. The sensor 750 for detectingpush displacement of the front panel 20, which occurs by the user'stouch, is disposed on the front surface of the sensor PCB 700.

A piezo-sensor may be used as the sensor 750. A ceramic device or sheet752 may be attached to a top surface of a metal plate 751. The metalplate 751 may be elastically deformable according to a pressure of thetouch manipulation of the front panel 20. A variation in quantity ofelectricity occurs due to the pressure on the ceramic device 752.Although the sensor 750 has a circular shape in the current embodiment,the sensor 750 may have a different shape. The sensor 750 may beprovided in plurality along the sensor PCB 700. A sensor support 713 isdisposed on the front surface of the sensor PCB 700 on which the sensor750 is mounted.

The sensor support 713 may be defined by a groove having a diameter thatis less than a size of the sensor. The sensor support 713 may notsupport a circumference of the sensor 750, but support a circumferenceof the metal plate 751. The sensor support 713 may support the lowercircumference of the metal plate 751. The sensor support 713 may have aprojection or disc shape for supporting the circumference of the metalplate 751, but may not have a groove shape. The sensor support 713 mayhave a size that is less than a diameter of the metal plate 751, butgreater than a diameter of the ceramic device 752. The metal plate 751may be deformed by a pressure that is applied from a front side, andthus, the ceramic device 752 may effectively detect a variation inpressure.

A common contact point 714 connected to the plurality of sensors throughthe circuit is disposed on one side of the sensor PCB 700. The commoncontact point 714 connects bottom surfaces of the plurality of sensors750 to each other. When the conductive foil 740 adheres, the commoncontact point 714 may contact a conductive line 741 of the conductivefoil 740 and be connected to a negative electrode of each of theplurality of sensors 750 to electrically connect the sensor.

A mounting display part or mounting alignment aid 715 for displaying anaccurately mounted position of the elastic member 720 is disposed on therear surface of the sensor PCB 700. The mounting display part 715 may beformed through printing or processing. The mounting display part 715 maybe used to alignment position or placement of the elastic member 720.

The mounting position of the elastic member 720, e.g., the position ofthe mounting display part 715, may be disposed on both left/right sides(when viewed in FIG. 17) with respect to the sensor 750. The mountingposition of the elastic member 720, e.g., the position of the mountingdisplay part 715, may be disposed outside an outer end of the sensor750. The elastic member 720 may be disposed to prevent the elasticmember 720 from interfering with the sensor 750, and to prevent thedetectability of the sensor 750 from being deteriorated. Furthermore,the plurality of elastic members 720 may be disposed to be spaced apredetermined distance from the sensor 750 to apply substantially thesame pressure to the sensor PCB 700.

The plurality of sensors 750 may be disposed in the same extension lineas or in a alignment with the body coupling part 521 and the covercoupling part 516. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the body couplingpart 521 and the cover coupling part 516 may be disposed on the sameextension line as both left/right sides of the sensor 750. The bodycoupling part 521 and the cover coupling part 516 may be disposedbetween the pair of elastic members 720 that are adjacent to the sensor750. The body coupling part 521 and the cover coupling part 516 may bedisposed on both left/right sides of one sensor 750, and the pair ofelastic members 720 may be disposed in a direction of the body couplingpart 521 and the cover coupling part 516. Thus, a pressure may beuniformly applied to the whole sensor PCB 700 disposed in the sensorhousing, and the plurality of sensors 750 may detect the user'smanipulation signal under the same or substantially similar condition.

The spacer 730 is attached to the front surface of the sensor PCB 700.The spacer 730 may be configured to bond the sensor PCB 700 to theconductive foil 740. An adhesion member such as a double-sided tape maybe used as the spacer 730. The spacer 730 may have a size correspondingto that of each of the sensor PCB 700 and the conductive foil 740. Thespacer 730 also may have a predetermined thickness so that theconductive foil 740 contacts a top surface of the sensor 750 and thecommon contact point 714 at an adequate height thereof.

A sensor hole 731 is punched or provided at a position corresponding tothat of the sensor 750. The sensor hole 731 may have a size greater thanthat of the sensor 750 to accommodate the sensor 750 therein. When thesensor 750 operates, there is no interference between the sensor 750 andthe sensor hole 731. The sensor hole 731 may be provided in numbercorresponding to the number of sensors 750. A vent hole 732, which iscut by a predetermined length, is defined in each of the sensor holes731.

Bubbles generated when the spacer 730 is attached to the front surfaceof the sensor PCB 700 may be discharged through the vent hole 732. Thevent hole 732 may be defined and extended along a longitudinal directionof the spacer 730 from an edge of the sensor hole 731. All of the ventholes 732 are extended in one direction. Thus, the spacer 730 may beattached to the front surface of the sensor PCB 730 in a direction inwhich the vent hole 732 extends from the edge of the sensor hole 731 inorder to discharge the bubbles through the vent hole 732.

When the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740 are attached, guideparts may be provided on the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740 sothat the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740 are aligned accurately.

The guide parts may be through holes or alignment holes 733 and 744 thatare defined in the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740. The throughholes 733 and 744 may be provided in plurality along the spacer 730 andthe conductive foil 740 to align with each other. The through holes 733may be alternately disposed in such a manner that one of the throughholes 733 is disposed near one edge of the spacer 730 and the other ofthe through holes 733 is disposed near the other edge of the spacer 730.The other edge is opposite to the one edge, and the one of the throughholes 733 is apart from the other of the through holes 733 in thelongitudinal direction of the spacer 730. The through holes 744 aredisposed in the conductive foil 740 in the same manner as the throughholes 733. An alignment rod may be vertically disposed on the sensor PCB700 at a position corresponding to each of the through holes 733 and744. Thus, the alignment rod may pass through each of the through holes733 and 744 to successively attach the spacer 730 and the conductivefoil 740 on to the sensor PCB 700. The spacer 730 and the conductivefoil 740 may be attached to accurate positions by a coupling of thethrough holes 733 and 744 using the alignment rod. The through holes 733and 744 of the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740 may be spaced apredetermined distance from the sensor 750 disposed on the sensor PCB700 to prevent errors of the plurality of sensors 750 from occurring.After attaching of the spacer 730 and the conductive foil 740 on to thesensor PCB 700, the alignment rod may be removed from the sensor PCB700.

The conductive foil 740 may be formed of a resin film material such asPET. The conductive foil 740 may have a size corresponding to that ofeach of the sensor PCB 700 and the spacer 730. A conductive line 741,which connects the plurality of sensors 750 to the common contact point714, may be disposed on the conductive foil 740. The conductive line 741may be printed on a bottom surface of the conductive foil 740 by using asilver material. The surface on which the conductive line 741 may adhereto the spacer 730, and also, contact the sensor 750 and the commoncontact point 714.

An inner guide line 742 and an outer guide line 743 may be printed onthe conductive foil 740 so that the sensors 750 are accurately alignedin position. The inner guide line 742 may have a size corresponding tothat of the ceramic device 752, and the outer guide line 743 may have asize corresponding to that of the metal plate 751. When the sensors 750are mounted accurately, the ceramic device 752 may be disposed in theinner guide line 742, and the metal plate 751 may be disposed in theouter guide line 743. The inner region of the conductive foil 740defined by the inner guide line 742 includes meshed or lattice metallicpattern, and the conductive line 741 connects the inner regions. Theconductive line 741 may connect the common contact point 714 to the topsurface (via inner region) of the sensor 750, i.e., the negativeelectrode to allow the sensor 750 to be electrically connected.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the touch booster 530 has a sizecorresponding to that of the opening 512 of the housing cover 510 tocover the opening 512. A hook 531 is disposed on each of both left/rightends of the housing cover 510. The hook 531 may be coupled to the hookgroove 514 defined in the housing cover 510 and provided in pluralitywith a predetermined distance. The hook 531 may moves in the front/reardirection within the hook groove 514.

A plurality of elastically deformable parts or elastic spring having thenumber corresponding to that of sensors 750 are disposed on the touchbooster 530. The elastically deformable parts may be disposed atpositions corresponding to those of the touch part 12 of the front panel20 and the sensor 750. Each of the elastically deformable parts may havean elastically deformable structure in which the elastic deformable partis movable in the front/rear direction. When the user pushes the touchpart 12, the front panel 20 may be deformed, and thus, a portioncorresponding to an area of the touch part 12 may move in a reardirection to press the sensor 750. When the user's hand is separatedfrom the touch part 12, the elastically deformable part may return toits original position.

The elastically deformable part may include a first extension part 532extending from one side of the opened region of the touch booster 530, asecond extension part 533 extending from a position opposite to thefirst extension part 532, and a common part 534 disposed at a centralportion to connect the first extension part 532 to the second extensionpart 533.

Each of the first and second extension parts 532 and 533 may have arelatively narrow width so that the common part or central region 534 ismovable. Each of the first and second extension parts 532 and 533 mayextend to a sufficient length and be bent at least once. Thus, the firstand second extension parts 532 and 533 may be easily elasticallydeformable. Each of the first and second extension parts 532 and 533 mayextend and be curved along a circumference of the common part 534. Thefirst and second extension parts 532 and 533 may be symmetrical to eachother with respect to the common part 534. An area except for the firstand second extension parts 532 and 533 and the common part 534 may bespirally cut in a central direction of the common part 534 to form a cutpart or a cut-out 536. The area may be cut along circumferences of thefirst and second extension parts 532 and 533 and the common part 534.

A protrusion 535 protruding downward is disposed on a bottom surface ofthe common part 534. The protrusion 535 may be disposed at a center ofthe common part 534 to correspond to a center of the sensor 750. Thus,when the common part 534 moves backward, the common part 534 may pressthe center of the sensor 750.

As illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24, the touch sensor assembly 500 isattached to the front panel 20 in a state where the touch sensorassembly 500 is mounted on the display cover 200. The adhesion member 25may be attached to the front surface of the display cover 200 and thefront surface of the housing cover 510 so that the display cover 200 andthe touch sensor assembly 500 adhere to the rear surface of the frontpanel 20.

The adhesion member 25 may not be provided on the touch booster 530, andthe touch booster 530 may be closely fitted to the rear surface of thefront panel 20. When the touch sensor assembly 500 is assembled, theelastic member 720 may push the sensor PCB 700 forward while beingpressed. Thus, the sensor PCB 700 may be closely fitted to the touchbooster 530. The touch booster 530 may be movable in the front/reardirection in the state where the touch booster 530 is coupled to thehousing cover 510. The touch booster 530 may further protrude forwardfrom the front surface of the housing cover 510 by the restorative forceof the elastic member 720.

Although the display cover 200 and the housing cover 510 adhere to thefront panel 20 by the adhesion member 25, the front surface of the touchbooster 530 may be in substantially continuous contact to the rearsurface of the front panel 20. In this state, when the user touches thetouch part 12 of the front panel 20, displacement may occur on an areaof the manipulated or touched front panel 20. The displacement of thefront panel 20 may be immediately transmitted into the sensor 750through the touch booster 530 to press the sensor 750. The sensor 750may detect the user's manipulation or touch pressure. The elastic member720 may be further pressed according a pressure during the manipulationthereof. The touch booster 530 may move backward by the coupling betweenthe hook 531 and the hook groove 514.

When the user's hand is separated from the touch part 12, the sensor PCB700 and the touch booster 530 may move again forward by a restoringforce of the elastic member 720, a restoring force of the touch booster530, and a restoring force of the metal plate 751 of the sensor 750 toreturn to its original state. In a refrigerator 1 according to anembodiment, when the user manipulates the touch part 12, the front panel20 may be deformed. A variation in quantity of electricity may occur dueto the pressure by the deformation of the front panel 20. The variationvalue may be transmitted into the sensor control part 314 to detectuser's touch manipulation. When an area of the touch part 12 displayedon the front panel 20 is pushed, the user's manipulation may beaccurately recognized or detected.

On the other hand, when an area except for the area of the touch part 12is pushed by the user, it may be difficult to recognize an accurateoperation through the sensor 750. In this state, the sensor 750 may notrecognize the pushing manipulation. Further, when an area between theplurality of touch parts 12 is pushed, a situation in which two sensorsrecognize the pushing manipulation at the same time due to structuralcharacteristics of the front panel 20 having one plate shape may occur.In this case, it may not be possible to clearly instructor recognize adesired operation of the refrigerator 1.

Further, when the door 10 is closed, an impact may occur due tostructural characteristics of the refrigerator door 10. For example, thefront panel 20 may be temporarily deformed by the impact, or theplurality of sensors 750 may detect the impact as a user input. Hence,malfunction may occur due to the undesired recognition of the sensor750.

To prevent the malfunction of the sensor 750 from occurring, in thetouch sensor assembly 500, the sensor PCB 700 may be supported by theelastic member 720, and the sensor 750 may be mounted on the sensor PCB700. The elastic member 720 supports the sensor PCB 700 at a positioncorresponding to an outer end of the sensor 750 at each of the sides ofthe sensor due to characteristics in position thereof.

When an area between the plurality of touch parts 12 is pushed, forceapplied by the user may not be transmitted into the sensor 750, but leakthrough the elastic member 720. The force applied to the front panel 20may act on the elastic member 720 to reduce the force transmitted intothe sensor 750, thereby preventing the adjacent sensor from recognizingthe touch manipulation. The impact occurring when the door 10 is closedmay be absorbed and buffered by the elastic member 720 to prevent apressure transmitted into the sensor 750 from being minimized, therebypreventing the sensor from being mal-operated or malfunctioned. Thetouch sensor assembly 500 according to an embodiment may prevent theuser's erroneous manipulation from occurring through the other structure(described hereinafter) in addition to the above-described structure.

FIG. 25 is an exploded front perspective view of a touch sensor assemblyaccording to another embodiment. A plurality of sensors 750 may bedisposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other on thesensor PCB 700, and a push support member or buffer 770 may be disposedbetween the sensors 750. The push support member 770 may be disposedbetween the front panel 20 and the sensor PCB 700. The push supportmember 770 may have a height greater than that of the sensor 750.

Even though the user does not push the touch part 12 of the front panel20, but push an area between the touch parts 12 of the front panel 20,the applied force may be leaked through the push support member 770, andthus the pressure may not be applied to or detected by the sensors 750disposed on both sides of the push support member 770. The push supportmember 770 may support the front panel 20 to structurally prevent pushdeformation of the front panel 20 from occurring, thereby preventingsimultaneous recognition of the sensors 750 due to the deformation ofthe front panel 20 from occurring.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main componentof a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment. Whenthe push signals of adjacent touch parts 12 are generated at the sametime in the sensor control part 314, the sensor control part 314 mayignore the inputted signal and may not process the push signals. Forexample, if the variation in quantity of electricity is above a presetquantity occurs from adjacent two sensors 750 at the same time, thesensor control part 314 may determine this state as the erroneousmanipulation to ignore the input signal such that control part 314 maynot perform the operation based on the manipulation.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of a main componentof a touch sensor assembly according to further another embodiment,where a dummy sensor 780 may be disposed between plurality of sensors750. If the user pushes an area between the touch parts 12, the dummysensor 780 may detect the user's manipulation. When a variation value inquantity of electricity, which occurs in the dummy sensor 780, isgreater than those in quantity of electricity, which occurs in othersensors 750, the sensor control part 314 may determine that the user'stouch manipulation is erroneous to ignore input signals of other sensors750. If desired, the sensor control part 314 may display the erroneousmanipulation through the display part 11 or output a sound of theerroneous manipulation using the acoustic output device 340. When anerroneous manipulation occurs, the sensor control part 314 may ignorethe signal inputted and the user may be given an opportunity to providea proper input.

An operation of the refrigerator will be described for entering one of aplurality of special modes. In addition to the manipulation for changingvarious general operational mode or state of the refrigerator, amanipulation or touch inputs may be provided for entering a plurality ofspecial modes may be enabled. The special or configuration modes of therefrigerator may include a sensitivity setting mode for settingmanipulation sensitivity of the touch part, an inspection mode fordiagnosing an operation state of each component of the refrigerator, atest mode for checking a normal operation of an individual component ofan ice maker, and a store display mode for displaying a product in astore to sell the product.

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate the sensitivity setting mode and sensitivitysitting operation of the refrigerator according to an embodiment. Whenpower is applied to the refrigerator 1 to allow the refrigerator tooperate, the user may push one of the plurality of touch parts 12 tomanipulate an operation of the refrigerator 1. However, force pushed bythe user into the touch part 12 may be different, or the preferredintensity in push manipulation may be different. The user may adjust andset a sensitivity of the sensor 750 through a combination of themanipulations of the plurality of touch parts 12 that are originallyused for other purposes, such that the sensor 750 can effectivelyrecognize the press of the touch part 12 by the user.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the user may push a first touch part 12 a,which is displayed as “a refrigerating temperature”, of the plurality oftouch parts 12. When a fifth touch part 12 e, which is displayed as“locking release”, is pushed three times before a preset time (forexample, three seconds) elapses after the first touch part 12 a ispushed, the refrigerator enters into the sensitivity setting mode. Themanipulation of the fifth touch part 12 e that is pushed three times ina row has to be performed within the preset time (for example, threeseconds). The preset time is not limited to three seconds as suggested.

After entering the sensitivity setting mode, the display window 11 maybe turned off. When the user pushes one of the plurality of touch parts12 a to 12 e, that is desired for setting the sensitivity, the currentsensitivity of the selected touch part may be displayed. The displaywindow 11 may include two numerical display parts 11 a, three symboldisplay parts 11 b, and five touch parts 12 a to 12 e respectivelycorresponding to the five display parts 11 a and 11 b. The five touchparts 12 a to 12 e can be respectively formed at side positions of thefive display parts 11 a and 11 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 30, after the refrigerator enters the sensitivitysetting mode, the user may press the “refrigerating temperature” 12 a(first touch part), and then the numerical display part 11 acorresponding to the “refrigerating temperature” may flicker or blink todisplay the current sensitivity of the first touch part 12 a in the formof a number, such as 3 shown in FIG. 30. The user may visually not onlyconfirm the current sensitivity of the selected touch part, but alsoconfirm what the currently selected touch part 12 to adjust thesensitivity is.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 31, after the refrigerator entersinto the sensitivity setting mode, the user may press a third touch part12 c that is displayed as “sanitization deodorization”, the symboldisplay part 11 b that has a filter shape and is disposed on a side ofthe third touch part 12 c may flicker or blink to show that the thirdtouch part 12 c is currently selected for adjustment of sensitivity andthe current sensitivity of the third touch part 12 c may be displayed onthe numerical display part 11 a in the form of the number.

As described above, in the state where the user has selected the desiredtouch part 12 for adjusting the sensitivity, and the current sensitivelyof the selected touch part is flickering on the numerical display part11 a, the user may repeatedly push the selected touch part 12 to adjusta sensitivity setting value of the selected touch part 12.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 30, in the state where the currentsensitivity setting value of the first touch part 12 a is “3”, if thefirst touch part 12 a is pushed once more, the sensitivity setting valuemay further increase by one degree, and the number “4” may be displayedon the numerical display part 11 a. Also, the number displayed on thenumerical display part 11 a increases according to the additionallypushed number of first touch part 12 a, and thus, the sensitivitysetting value of the first touch part 12 a may further increase indegree.

The process for setting the sensitivity may be stored in the hostcontrol part 316. When the first touch part 12 a is pushed once more inthe uppermost sensitivity setting value, the sensitivity setting valuemay return to the lowermost sensitivity setting value, and then, thenumber “1” may be displayed on the numerical display part 11 a. Here,the lowermost sensitivity setting value that is settable may be greaterthan a noise level of the sensor 750. Also, as the number is lower, thesensor 750 may sensitively recognize the manipulation of the touch part12.

The above-described sensitivity setting manipulation has to be performedwithin a preset time, for example, within three seconds after the lasttouch part 12 is manipulated. It means that the interval between theprevious press and the current press can be set to three seconds. If thepreset time elapses, the last selected sensitivity setting value may bestored in the storage part 315, and the sensitivity setting mode may beended. Also, when the sensitivity setting mode is ended, the displaywindow 11 may return to the normal state in which the operation state ofthe refrigerator 1 is displayed. The three seconds interval correspondsto an interval between a previous pressing and the current pressing maybe up to 3 seconds. For example, after pressing the third touch part 12c, the user may press the touch part 12 a within 3 seconds to adjust thesensitivity, and the user may perform the second press within 3 secondsafter performing the first pressing. If a user desires to set thesensitivity from 2 to 1 (2-->3-->4-->1) in FIG. 31, the user may pressthe first touch part 12 a within a total of 9 seconds as long as theuser presses the touch part 12 a within maximally 3 seconds interval. If3 seconds have elapsed after second pressing, the sensitivity will beset to 4.

The first touch part 12 a and the fifth touch part 12 e which aremanipulated to allow the refrigerator to enter into the sensitivitysetting mode may be an example of the combination of the pushmanipulation for convenience of description. Alternatively, thecombination of the manipulation of touch parts may be differentlydetermined. The combined manipulation of the touch parts 12 may be usedfor the manipulation of the special mode except for the sensitivitysetting mode according to the setting method. In other words, the aboveprocess may be used for other types of special mode setting rather thanthe sensitivity mode setting.

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a process of entering into an inspectionmode for the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enter into theinspection mode during the normal operation of the refrigerator, thefourth touch part 12 d that is displayed as “special freezing” istouched. Thereafter, the second touch part 12 b that is displayed as a“freezing temperature” is pushed before the end of the preset time (forexample, three seconds), such that the refrigerator may enter into theinspection mode. When, the second touch part 12 b is pressed, the usermay be required to press the touch part 12 b for an extended timecompared to a normal touch input in order to enter into the inspectionmode. When the second touch part 12 b is pushed for an extended time toenter into the inspection mode, the user may release the touch of thesecond touch part 12 b to finish the entering manipulation.

The inspection mode may be performed after the refrigerator 1 ismanufactured or before the refrigerator 1 is shipped. In the inspectionmode, the overall setting of the refrigerator 1 may be confirmed orperformed. The fourth touch part 12 d and the second touch part 12 b maybe an example of the combination of the push manipulation forconvenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of othertouch parts 12 may be set according to the setting method.

Also, the combination of the manipulation of the touch part 12 explainedin FIG. 32 may be used for entering into a different special mode,rather than the inspection mode.

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a process of entering into the test modein the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enter into the testmode during the normal operation of the refrigerator, the user touches afifth touch part 12 e that is displayed as “locking release” while therefrigerator door 10 is opened, and then the user pushes the first touchpart 12 a that is displayed as the “refrigerating temperature” beforethe preset time (for example, three seconds) elapses, the refrigeratormay enter into the test mode. Further, the first touch part 12 a may bepressed for an extended time compared to a normal touch input. When thefirst touch part 12 a is pushed for the extended time to enter into thetest mode, the user may release the touch of the first touch part 12 ato finish the entering manipulation.

In the test mode, when an error occurs during the use of therefrigerator 1, the test mode may be initiated by the user or a serviceworker to test whether devices of the refrigerator 1 such as an icemaker and dispenser are operating normally. The fifth touch part 12 eand the first touch part 12 a which are manipulated to allow therefrigerator to enter into the test mode may be an example of thecombination of the push manipulation for convenience of description.Alternatively, the combination of other touch parts 12 may be setaccording to the setting method.

Also, the combination of the manipulation of the touch part 12 explainedin FIG. 33 may be used for entering into a different special mode,rather than the test.

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a process of entering into a storedisplay mode in the refrigerator according to an embodiment. To enterinto the store display mode during the operation of the refrigerator,the user firstly touches the fourth touch part 12 d that is displayed asthe “special freezing” while the refrigerator door 10 is opened,secondly pushes the first touch part 12 a that is displayed as the“refrigerating temperature” before the preset time (for example, secondseconds) elapses, and then the refrigerator may enter into the storedisplay mode. Further, the first touch part 12 a may be pressed for anextended time compared to a normal touch input. After the first touchpart 12 a is pushed for the extended time to enter into the storedisplay mode, the user may release the push of the first touch part 12 ato finish the entering manipulation.

In the store display mode, an operation state or set state of therefrigerator may change so that the refrigerator is adequate for adisplay model for operating the refrigerator at a retail store. Forexample, it may be unnecessary to maintain a temperature within therefrigerator in the store display mode. For example, a deforestingoperation may not be required, and operations of a compressor and heatermay be maintained in an off state.

The fourth touch part 12 d and the first touch part 12 a which aremanipulated to allow the refrigerator to enter into the store displaymode may be an example of the combination of the push manipulation forconvenience of description. Alternatively, the combination of othertouch parts 12 may be set according to the setting method. Also, thecombination of the manipulation of the touch part 12 explain in FIG. 34may be used for entering into a different special mode, rather than thestore display mode.

As described above, the refrigerator according to the embodiments mayenter into the various special modes through various methods. Therefrigerator according to the embodiments may enter into other specialmodes in addition to the above-described modes, and manipulation ofother touch parts 12 in addition to the above-described touch part 12may combined with each other.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensingstate in a home appliance including a touch sensor according to arelated art.

A portion of an outer appearance of a home appliance according to therelated art is defined by an exterior member 2. Also, the externalmember 2 may have a plate shape formed of a metal material. Also, anadhesive 3 is applied to a rear surface of the exterior member 2. Also,a touch sensor 4 mounted on a sensor PCB 5 to detect a user's touchmanipulation pressure may be fixedly mounted on the rear surface of theexterior member by using the adhesive. Thus, when a user pushes theexterior member 2 to perform touch manipulation, the touch sensor 4 maydetect the user's touch manipulation to allow the home appliance tooperate.

As illustrated in FIG. 35A, even though the exterior member 2 has a thinthickness D1, when the user touches the exterior member 2, the exteriormember 2 may be temporarily pushed. When the exterior member 2 is pushedby predetermined force F1 or more, the exterior member 2 may be pushedtogether with the adhesive 3 to apply a pressure to the touch sensor 4.

Also, when a change in pressure applied to the touch sensor 4 is greaterthan a preset pressure, the user's touch manipulation may be recognized.That is, when an intensity of a voltage generated by the pressureapplied to the touch sensor 4 is greater than a sensible voltage level,it is determined as effective touch manipulation. Thus, the user has topush the exterior member with a specific pressure or more to realize theeffective touch manipulation.

As illustrated in FIG. 35B, the exterior member 2 may have a relativelythicker thickness or be formed of a material having high strength asoccasion demands. For example, in case of a refrigerator, when aninsulation material is provided in a door of which an outer appearanceis defined by the exterior member 2, the exterior member 2 may generallyhave a thickness D2 of about 0.5 mm to prevent the exterior member 2from being deformed by a foaming pressure. Also, in other homeappliances including the refrigerator, the exterior member 2 may have athickness of about 0.5 mm or more to prevent the exterior member 2 frombeing crushed or deformed by an external impact or prevent the exteriormember 2 from being permanently deformed by repetitive touchmanipulation or excessive pushing.

As described above, if the thickness of the exterior member 2 isthicker, when the exterior member 2 is pushed by the force F1 asillustrated in FIG. 35A to perform the touch manipulation, the exteriormember 2 may be relatively reduced in size. Also, when the exteriormember 2 is deformed in small, the deformation may be absorbed by theelasticity of the adhesive 3. In this case, the intensity of thepressure transmitted to the touch sensor 4 may be significantly reduced.

That is, even though the exterior member 2 is pushed by the force F1that is the same as that of FIG. 35A, the intensity of the pressuretransmitted to the touch sensor 4 may be significantly reduced. Thus, asillustrated in FIG. 35B, the voltage generated in the touch sensor 4 maynot reach a level of the voltage detected by the effective touchmanipulation, and thus, the recognition of the touch manipulation may bedifficult.

To solve the above-described limitation, in the current embodiment, astructure in which the touch sensor 4 is directly attached to the frontpanel 20 corresponding to the exterior member 2 by the elastic member720 without using the adhesive 3 may be provided. Also, the touch sensor4 may be pressed in the direction of the front panel 20 by the elasticmember 720 to detect the touch of the touch sensor even though smalldeformation occurs on the front panel 20, thereby improving thesensitivity of the touch sensor 4.

Hereinafter, this structure will be described in more detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 36 is a schematic view illustrating a touch manipulation sensingstate in the touch sensor according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 36, the front panel 20 may have a plate or sheetformed of a metal material, which defines at least a portion of theouter appearance of the home appliance. Also, the front panel 20 mayhave a predetermined thickness D2. The front panel 20 may have athickness of about 4 mm to about 1.0 mm or more to satisfy conditions ofthe exterior member of the home appliance including the refrigerator toprevent the exterior member from being deformed by the foaming pressureor from being permanently deformed by the external impact.

A touch part (see reference numeral 12 of FIG. 3) through which the userperforms the touch manipulation may be disposed on the front panel 20.The touch part 12 may display a portion on which the touch manipulationis performed on a front surface of the front panel to induce theeffective touch manipulation of the user. Alternatively, the inductionof the effective touch manipulation may be performed through varioussurface processing processes such as printing or etching. A window (seereference numeral 11 of FIG. 3) in addition to the touch part 12 may befurther provided on the front panel 20. Also, the window 11 togetherwith the touch part 12 may be provided as a module.

A touch sensor 750 mounted on the sensor PCB 700 may be disposed on therear surface of the front panel 20. The touch sensor 750 may detect theuser's touch manipulation. The touch sensor 750 may include apiezoelectric device or a resistive cell type (resistive type) device.In detail, the touch sensor 750 may include the piezoelectric device.Here, the touch may be detected by a change in voltage generated by apressure which is generated when the touch part 12 of the front panel 20is touched by the piezoelectric device.

Also, the touch sensor 750 may include the resistive cell type device.Here, a change in pressure may be calculated by using a change inresistance due to the pressure generated when the touch part 12 of thefront panel 20 in predetermined current is supplied, and then the touchmay be detected through the change in pressure.

The touch sensor 750 may directly contact the touch part 12 of the frontpanel 20. Thus, the force generated when the user manipulates the touchpart 12 may not be lost, but be immediately transmitted to the touchsensor 750.

The touch sensor 750 may be mounted on the sensor PCB 700. Also, aplurality of touch sensors 750 may be mounted on one sensor PCB 700 torespectively correspond to the touch parts 12. Of cause, the sensor PCB700 may be provided in plurality. Alternatively, at least one or moretouch sensors 750 may be mounted on the sensor PBCs 700, respectively.

An elastic member 720 which is capable of pressing the touch sensor 750may be disposed on the sensor PCB 700. Also, the touch sensor 750 may beclosely attached toward the front panel 20 by the elastic member 720.That is, the touch sensor 750 may be closely attached to the rearsurface of the front panel 20 as well as pressed toward the front panel20 by compressive elastic force F2 of the elastic member 720. Thus, thetouch sensor 750 may be in a state in which the pressure due to theelastic member 720 is applied. A base voltage of the touch sensor 750may be applied with a predetermined intensity by the elastic member 720.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the elastic member 720 may be disposed on oneside of the sensor PCB 700 corresponding to the outside of the touchsensor 750. Alternatively, if the touch sensor 750 is capable of beingpressed toward the front panel 20, the elastic member 720 may bedisposed at various positions. Also, the elastic member 720 may have ashape different from a hexahedral shape. The elastic member 720 may notbe limited in shape and material such as a spring. For example, theelastic member 720 may be provided with a different constituent which iscapable of pressing the touch sensor 750 toward the front panel.

A detected state of the touch sensor having the above-describedstructure will be described.

As illustrated in FIG. 36A, in a state in which the front panel 20 isnot pushed, the front panel 20 is not deformed. However, since the touchsensor 750 is in the state in which the touch sensor 750 is pressedtoward the rear surface of the front panel 20 by the elastic member 720,the touch sensor 750 may have a base voltage with a predeterminedintensity.

Here, the base voltage may be due to the elastic force F2 of the elasticmember 720. Thus, the base voltage may be set to a voltage less than thesensible voltage of the touch sensor 750. That is, the base voltage maybe set to the touch sensor 750 by adjusting the elastic force F2 of theelastic member 720.

In this state, when the user pushes the touch part 12 disposed at aposition corresponding to that of the touch sensor 750 of the frontpanel 20, as illustrated in FIG. 36B, the deformation of the front panel20 may occur. The deformation of the front panel 20 may be directlytransmitted to the touch sensor 750, and the touch sensor 750 mayreceive the pressure due to the deformation of the front panel 20.

Here, when the front panel 20 is touched, the force F1 pushed by theuser may have a direction opposite to that of the compressive elasticforce F2 applied to the touch sensor 750 by the elastic member 720.Thus, the bidirectional forces F1 and F2 may be substantially applied tothe touch sensor 750, and thus, the touch sensor 750 may be pressed.

That is, when the user pushes the front panel 20 in the state in whichthe touch sensor 750 is pressed toward the front panel 20 by the elasticmember 720, the change in voltage, which occurs by the pressuregenerated by the user's touch manipulation may be added to the basevoltage, and thus a pressure exceeding the sensible voltage level forthe touch manipulation may be applied to the touch sensor 750.

Even though the front panel 20 is deformed in small by the user's touchmanipulation, the deformation of the front panel 20 may be transmittedas it is to the touch sensor 750 without being lost. In addition, thetouch sensor may generate a voltage greater than the sensible voltagelevel of the touch manipulation even though the touch panel 20 isdeformed in small by the compressive elastic force F2 applied by theelastic member 720.

As a result, the sensitivity of the touch sensor 750 may be improved,and thus, the touch sensor 750 may effectively detect the user's touchmanipulation in the state in which the front panel 20 has the sufficientstrength and thickness D2.

Although the touch sensor 750 operates in the resistive cell manner, theabove-described effects may be equally applied. When the elastic member720 presses the touch sensor 750 in the direction of the touch part 12,a resistance value of the touch sensor 750 may be reduced by thepressing in the state in which predetermined current is applied. Thus,the base voltage may be applied at a predetermined intensity or more dueto the reduction of the resistance value.

In this state, when the user touches the touch part 12, a portion of thefront panel 20 may be deformed to press the touch sensor 750. Also, theresistance value may be reduced by the additional pressure due to theuser's touch, and thus, the voltage may increase to become to the samestate as that of FIG. 36B. Therefore, the user's touch manipulation maybe effectively detected.

Although the structure in which the touch sensor is disposed on thefront panel 20 of the refrigerator 1 is exemplified in the foregoingembodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the refrigerator.For example, this embodiment may be applied to various home appliancessuch as washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers, which have astructure in which the touch sensor is attached to a metal paneldefining an outer appearance thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A metal touch sensing apparatus comprising:a front panel made of a metal material, the front panel including: adisplay window defined by a plurality of through holes, and at least onetouch part formed at an area adjacent to the display window andconfigured to be displayed on the display window to allow a user toperform touch manipulation; a sensor PCB mounted on a positioncorresponding to the touch part on a rear surface of the front panel,the sensor PCB including a sensor support defined by a groove recessedfrom a front surface of the sensor PCB; a touch sensor mounted on thefront surface of the sensor PCB for detecting touch of the touch part ofthe front panel, the touch sensor including a piezoelectric type sensoror a resistive cell type sensor; a touch booster that is attached to therear surface of the front panel, that defines an opening at a positioncorresponding to the touch sensor, and that is configured to move towardthe touch sensor based on the touch part being manipulated, the touchbooster comprising: a common part located at a central region of theopening, a first extension part that extends from a first side of theopening along a first circumference of the common part and that isspaced apart from the first circumference of the common part, and asecond extension part that extends from a second side of the openingalong a second circumference of the common part and that is spaced apartfrom the second circumference of the common part, the second side of theopening facing the first side of the opening; an elastic membercontacting a rear surface of the sensor PCB corresponding to an outeredge of the sensor support to support the sensor PCB by pressing thesensor PCB towards the rear surface of the front panel to generate abase voltage in the touch sensor in a no-touch state, the elastic memberbeing made of a silicon material or an epoxy material; and a sensorcontrol part detecting a voltage increasing from the base voltage when atouch operation occurs to recognize that the touch operation occurs whenthe increasing voltage is greater than a preset value.
 2. The metaltouch sensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base voltageis set to a value less than a touch sensible voltage level.
 3. The metaltouch sensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front panelhas a thickness of about 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm.
 4. The metal touch sensingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is providedin a pair, which are disposed at positions facing each other outside thetouch sensor.
 5. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the elastic member is provided on each of a plurality of touchsensors.
 6. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the touch sensor and the sensor control part are accommodatedinto separate housings, respectively, and each of the housings isattached to the front panel by an adhesive.
 7. The metal touch sensingapparatus according to claim 6, wherein the adhesive is disposed outsidethe touch part.
 8. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the touch sensor is located at a position corresponding to aposition of the touch part.
 9. The metal touch sensing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first extension part of the touchbooster and the second extension part of the touch booster aresymmetrical to each other with respect to the common part of the touchbooster, and wherein a distance between the first circumference of thecommon part and the first extension part is equal to a distance betweenthe second circumference of the common part and the second extensionpart.
 10. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first extension part of the touch booster and the secondextension part of the touch booster surround the common part of thetouch booster.
 11. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the common part of the touch booster comprises a protrusionthat protrudes from a bottom surface of the common part toward the touchsensor, and that is located at a center of the bottom surface of thecommon part, and that is configured to contact the touch sensor based onthe touch part being manipulated, and wherein a width of the protrusionis less than a width of the first circumference of the common part and awidth of the second circumference of the common part.
 12. The metaltouch sensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondcircumference of the common part faces the first circumference of thecommon part.
 13. The metal touch sensing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the second circumference of the common part extends from thefirst circumference of the common part.
 14. A method for controlling arefrigerator including a sensor that detects manipulation of each of aplurality of touch parts formed on a front panel of a refrigerator doorand that enables an input of command for an operation of therefrigerator by pressing the sensor at a normal mode, the methodcomprising: entering into a special mode based on a user manipulatingthe plurality of touch parts in a state in which each touch part doesnot indicate the special mode to the user, the special mode including: afirst mode for confirming an operation state of the refrigerator, and asecond mode for changing a set-up condition of the refrigerator, whereinentering into the special mode comprises: detecting first touch of oneof the plurality of touch parts, and detecting second touch of anotherof the plurality of touch parts within a preset time after detection ofthe first touch of the one of the plurality of touch parts, wherein thesecond mode include a sensitivity setting mode for adjusting asensitivity of the sensor while maintaining the state in which eachtouch part does not indicate the special mode, adjusting the sensitivityof the sensor comprising: detecting touch of one of the plurality oftouch parts that is selected for changing the sensitivity, displaying acurrent sensitivity value of the selected touch part for changing thesensitivity, detecting a repeated press of the selected touch part tochange the current sensitivity value, and storing, in a storage part, achanged sensitivity value corresponding to the repeated press, andwherein the method further comprises entering into the normal mode basedon an end of the sensitivity setting mode.
 15. The method according toclaim 14, wherein entering into the special mode comprises entering thespecial mode by the user manipulating the plurality of touch parts in apreset order in the state in which each touch part does not indicate thespecial mode.